Among Malaysian states, Sarawak has been the worst hit by transboundary haze linked to forest fires in neighbouring Indonesia.
Sarawak, alongside Sabah, shares a land border with Indonesia on Borneo Island.
Parts of Sarawak have recorded deteriorating air quality over the past week, with Serian becoming the first district to declare a haze-related state of emergency this year on Friday (Sep 4), after its Air Pollutant Index (API) exceeded 500.
Under Malaysia’s API scale, readings above 400 are classified as “very hazardous”. Readings up to 50 are classified as good, 51 to 100 as moderate, 101 to 200 as unhealthy, 201 to 300 as very unhealthy, and 301 to 400 as hazardous.
The Malaysia Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) told CNA that this is Sarawak’s “worst” haze episode since 2019. The API had then recorded a reading of 405.
The deteriorating air quality has disrupted daily life across the state. Outdoor events, including carnivals, community runs and sporting activities, have been cancelled, while poor visibility has disrupted some flights.
Authorities also announced on Friday that 647 schools across 12 districts, including Serian and the state capital Kuching, will close for five days from Sep 7 to Sep 11.
“Based on our monitoring throughout the school holiday this week, the (haze) situation has clearly not changed much,” said Sarawak’s education director Omar Mahli, as quoted by news outlet Malay Mail.
A total of 563 primary and 84 secondary schools are affected.
